Understanding national action plans to reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants

National Action Plans (NAPs) to reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (SLCPs) are becoming a key instrument for countries seeking to make rapid, measurable progress on climate and clean air goals. Supported by the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), the development of these plans, sometimes called strategies, clean air plans, or roadmaps, but serves the same purpose, guides countries to reduce SLCPs, including methane, black carbon, and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).

Global milestones, such as the Conference of the Parties (COP), prompt countries to demonstrate ambition, and NAPs illustrate how climate commitments can be translated into concrete actions. They provide a structured framework for assessing national emission sources, prioritising mitigation options, and designing implementation pathways linked to finance and monitoring. In short, NAPs are the bridge that helps countries move from high-level goals to tangible results.

What is a National Action Plan (NAP) for SLCPs?

The NAP is a strategic framework that guides countries in identifying and then implementing priority measures to reduce SLCPs. Each plan is designed around the country’s own context and priorities. For example, a country with a large agricultural sector might focus on cutting back methane emissions from livestock and rice cultivation. In contrast, a country dominated by heavy industry might focus on reducing black carbon. The CCAC supports these sector-specific efforts, including assisting countries in developing Methane Roadmaps, which help countries identify, analyse, and build implementation plans for methane mitigation. Such a tailored approach ensures that mitigation measures are both practical and aligned with national development goals.

When a country develops and implements its NAP, it means that it has assessed its major emission sources and identified the most effective interventions. For instance, Nigeria has adopted 22 mitigation measures, whereas Côte d’Ivoire has 16. Common priorities across NAPs globally include promoting clean cooking solutions, enhancing public transportation systems, refining waste management practices, and developing institutional frameworks for coordination and oversight.

A win-win for people and the environment

NAPs offer broad social and economic co-benefits, which further amplify their impact. Many SLCPs are also major air pollutants and therefore reducing them also improves public health, lowers healthcare costs, and enhances economic productivity. Beyond reducing SLCPs, NAPs also identify actions that simultaneously lower co-emitted greenhouse gases and other air pollutants, thereby delivering larger benefits than would be achieved by targeting SLCPs in isolation. A NAP enables countries to clean the air while cooling the planet: a ‘win-win’ for people and the environment Over 15 countries have endorsed national SLCP plans. These efforts are supported by international groups, such as the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), and partner research institutions, such as the Stockholm Environment Institute at the University of York. These efforts demonstrate growing global momentum to integrate SLCP mitigation into national climate policies and action plans.

Structuring a NAP

We know why NAPs are needed. Now, to see why they matter, let's look at how they are built.

• Inventory and baseline projection

The initial step is crucial: identify what you are emitting and its source. This stage converts abstract pollution into quantifiable, manageable issues. The key element here is utilising advanced modelling tools, such as the LEAP-IBC (Low Emissions Analysis Platform - Integrated Benefits Calculator), to develop a comprehensive national emissions inventory. This surpasses basic national totals and involves breaking down data by specific sector, sub-region, and technology type (e.g., distinguishing old from new diesel engines) to pinpoint the most cost-effective intervention points.

This baseline projection is a vital step that enables high-quality data analysis. Baseline projections typically rely on indicators, such as population and GDP, to estimate how emissions would evolve in the absence of new plans or strategies.

• Mitigation assessment and co-benefits

Once the sources of pollution have been identified, the next stage is to design targeted interventions to determine the maximum reduction achievable and measure the additional benefits. The potential for emission reduction is estimated through various actions. The identified actions are split into two main scenarios: 'Business-as-Usual', which estimates future emissions without new policies, and ‘Mitigation', which incorporates a set of prioritised actions, such as phasing out certain types of vehicles or installing methane capture systems.

Comparing these two provides policymakers with valuable insights for decision-making.

The design of mitigation scenarios should involve actors from different sectors, including health, agriculture, industry, waste, transport, and energy, rather than just the environment. Together, they examine strategies, policies, and other mitigation measures that can be introduced into the plan and support the country's NDC commitment. CCAC global and regional assessments serve as valuable sources of information and starting points for identifying relevant measures to include in this process.

• The implementation pathways

The success of a plan hinges on practical implementation and scenario analysis into concrete projects with designated funding and accountability. Effective coordination and engagement mechanisms are essential to ensure coherent action across sectors.

Monitoring the plan's implementation is vital. It quantifies environmental and health benefits, ensures measures are implemented correctly, and provides feedback to revise the National SLCP Plan when needed to maximise impact.

Why NAP matters

The NAP provides the scientific analysis and concrete actions to achieve rapid climate results, strengthening the country's NDC by integrating SLCP goals. This makes a compelling case for international finance and technical support.

At global climate talks, NDCs represent a country's climate commitment, and the national SLCP plan, which should be integrated into NDCs, delivers on two key global demands. First is near-term action, since cutting SLCPs is the only way to immediately slow the rate of warming and avoid climate tipping points. This is not exchangeable with fast action on carbon dioxide. It needs to be fast reductions in both. Second, accountability, because SLCP reductions are felt quickly and locally. The national SLCP Plan enables the world to track our local progress, providing domestic evidence of our international commitment.

This approach is already shaping the next generation of national climate commitments. The CCAC guides include non-CO₂ pollutants in NDC 3.0, and support NDC updates to 34 countries to enhance their climate ambition by addressing SLCPs.

Through technical guidance, modelling support, and sector-specific assistance, partner countries are integrating SLCP measures from their national action plans directly into their NDCs, ensuring stronger alignment between national planning and international climate ambition.

Looking ahead

NAPs demonstrate that countries are planning strategically for both mid-term and long-term climate actions. They highlight that practical domestic projects, from reducing emissions from cookstoves to properly maintaining air conditioners, contribute to a much greater global effort. When a country submits its 'National Action Plan for SLCPs,' it signifies a tangible, near-term commitment to improving both our planet’s climate and the air we breathe.